Aston Villa have opened talks with Emi Buendia over a new contract after a remarkable resurgence under manager Unai Emery, per the Daily Mail.
Buendia’s current deal with the Villains runs until June 2027, although they hold an option to extend his stay by another 12 months.
However, Villa do not want the 29-year-old to enter the final 18 months of his contract without resolving his future, especially considering how important he has become.
Buendia has transformed his Villa career over the past year after appearing to be on his way out of the club last summer.
He was so far out of favour that he was even proposed to city rivals Birmingham City.
The two-cap Argentine international has gradually forced his way back into Emery’s plans with a string of impressive performances.
The midfielder played a key role in Villa’s Europa League triumph last season, bagging 11 goals and nine assists in 54 appearances.
One of those goals was particularly memorable, with Buendia producing a spectacular finish as Villa defeated Freiburg in Istanbul in May to lift their first major trophy since 1996.
Buendia has scored twice this season. His latest effort came in Villa’s 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.
He has now contributed 23 goals and 18 assists in 159 appearances for Villa. Emery has repeatedly praised the Argentina international’s qualities and versatility.
“Fantastic,” Emery said of Buendia in January (via journalist John Townley). “He’s versatile, on the left or as a number ten. He dominates his position behind the striker.
“He’s a competitive player, and he’s always showing his commitment to this club. How he plays with enthusiasm is fantastic, and he has quality.”
